I love hearing stories about how people discovered the SCA and fell in love with it.  To find one's place amidst the ranks of artisans and fighters and to find a wealth of friends with a common Dream is both powerful and empowering.  Likewise, I love to hear about how people who are becoming burnt out, or even disenchanted, are drawn back into the Society.  It is important for all of us to remember that more often than not, it is the people around that provide those enchanting experiences for both newcomers and long-term members alike.  Everyone has the ability to make a difference, and help flesh out the Dream for someone else.

Click the image below to read a lovely tale of how another individual found her place in the SCA.

This blogger's post is definitely worth a share here.  She attended her first SCA event (reluctantly) with her children and had an amazing time.  Some people come to the SCA believing that they will have a grand time because they have sought out this experience, others come because a friend, significant other or family member draws them in and have less positive expectations.  An atmosphere of joy, kindness and learning can give both types of individual a time that they will not soon forget (and hopefully will encourage them to return).

http://www.chicagonow.com/mama-bunny-pip/2014/07/the-society-for-creative-anachronism-i-went-to-an-sca-event-it-was-as-dorky-as-i-thought-it-would-be-and-i-loved-it/#image/8

A couple of years ago I compiled two lists/articles of information for Pennsic newcomers.  They are pretty much buried in my blog at this point so I am just posting the links here for those who are interested and who might not have seen them before.

• Pennsic Prep List
• Tips for Enjoying your First (or Tenth) Pennsic
  
  

And whether this is going to be your first, tenth or last Pennsic, have a wonderful time!

Teaching classes at SCA events is one of my favorite aspects of being in this society.  I love doing research, I love creating clothing and objects, and I absolutely delight in teaching the things I have learned to others.  I will admit, however, that taking that first step from artisan to instructor, can be quite intimidating (and is often full of doubts and second guessing).  It is hard to put yourself out there but disseminating information and sharing our work helps others grow and learn as well.  Below are some tips I have for those who are considering teaching in the SCA.

• Make sure that you know the subject well enough to convey it to others.  If you are only the barest of beginner in an art form, I would recommend that you wait to share this skill in a formal setting.  Often we start to learn a new skill or start following a new line of research and we can become overeager to present what we have found to others.  Know that it is more than acceptable to take it slow, gain some more experience in the field, and then develop the materials that will make for a good class.

Example: I once attended a dance class at a small SCA event.  I knew the teacher and while she had a fairly firm skill set in the basics of dance, she was teaching a style that she had literally only learned herself the week before.  It was off-putting to me as a student to see her have to constantly go back to her notes and then try to recall the steps (which where not yet embedded in her own muscle memory) in order to demonstrate them to us.  Any teacher might need a moment to pause and reflect before showing something, but this particular situation showed that she was not learned enough in this dance to share it with others and it made for a very awkward hour of class.  I will note that now, many years later, she teaches this particular dance quite well and has inspired others to learn more!  It takes time and mastery, and the key is knowing the subject well enough that you can convey it to others with relative ease.

• Research is important.  Make sure they you understand which research is good and which is better and which should be ignored.  I do not recommend teaching a class using only another Society’s member’s handouts.  Do your own research and your own work (and this in turn, will give you confidence and let you speak in more depth about a topic). 
  

• Is the subject matter of your class SCA appropriate?  Is it based on pre-17th century cultures or skills, is it based on SCA specific history or culture (things like our use of heraldry or classes geared towards SCA occupations such as Autocrats or Feastocrats could fall into these categories)?   Just because you want to teach something (and can do it competently) does not mean that it belongs in an SCA environment.

• And yes, it is perfectly ok to teach something basic.  Many people have websites and teach classes on how to make period tunics, but these classes are always great for newcomers or someone just making their first foray into a more period appearance.  Beyond that, it is also good to keep in mind that different people learn in different ways and it might be your class that finally makes something ‘click’ for someone.  Do not let the fact that others are teaching a subject deter you.
  

• Confidence is key and to be confident you have to know your material well.  That is not to say you need to be the absolute authority on a subject, but you do need solid groundwork in the requisite skill set or have a firm grasp of the research for the topic.

For example, one might be an advanced knitter of mundane items.  You might not know         everything there is about period knitted items, but you have done some research and have images to show how the skill was used in period.  Beyond that, you certainly have the knowledge of the basic stitches and techniques for general knitting and can competently teach newcomers how to get started.   Having confidence in your expertise will allow you share the joy of knitting with new students and having at least some background in historic application (and the ability to point the students to reference materials should they inquire further) should make for an inspiring class.

• Remember that no one knows everything.  It is ok to not know the answer to a student’s question.  We are not (for the most part) PhDs in our areas and it is completely legitimate to tell the questioner that you do not have an answer but that you can either look into it later and get back to them or refer them to someone who would know the answer. 

• Also keep in mind that even a class geared towards the beginner has a likelihood of drawing advanced practitioners of the skill.  In most cases, these individuals will be kind and courteous and often add a great deal to the class discussion.  Do not be afraid to see Laurels or those you consider experts in your field attend your class!  We all have more to learn and they obviously share in your enthusiasm for the topic.

Example:  One of the classes I teach at events covers basic costuming for those interested in adopting a Middle Eastern persona or those who want to dress appropriately for halfas.  I have been teaching these classes since 2005 and am confident in my research and with my handouts.  When I was teaching it at this past Pennsic there was a woman in my class who was one of my own early inspirations for my work.  She was a delight to have there and her own lovely garb enabled me to further illustrate what comprises a good “look”.  Beyond that, she very much added to the conversation, which took the class a step beyond me just reciting facts to something and let it become something more engaging.

• Never stop being a student.  Never be afraid to find out that you were wrong about something and never stop updating your research or practicing your skills.  Things change, research progresses and new things become available.  A good teacher never stops growing.

• Bring examples to illustrate your topic (if possible and relevant).  Images, handouts, things to fondle, all of these are things that might help clarify the subject matter for others.  Also remember that everyone learns and retains knowledge in different ways and some people simply learn better through tactile items they can hold or make themselves.

Example:  Some people do not translate static, stylized art into a full costume without some better way to visualize how a painted manuscript converts to reality.  When I created a Pinterest page for Ottoman costume, I included not only miniatures and extant caftans, but also some photos of members of the SCA wearing exceptionally researched and crafted garb.  I had one person thank me for specifically sharing those images because it helped better interpret period art.

• When possible, provide materials that the students can take home with them.  Whether it is a handout or sample that is produced in class or just a card with your website and email, give them that reminder of what they learned and a way to contact you if they have further questions.

• A test run of your class is never a bad thing.  I always teach a new class first to members of my household.  It gives me a chance to see how long the class will actually run, and it gives me some initial feedback that I can use to improve the flow of the class.  Questions these test students ask me during the instruction often point out where I need to make things more clear or where I need to delve deeper into a particular area.  It might also be beneficial to have a Laurel or other artisans glance at your material and give you feedback, additional resources or advice on which items and techniques that work best in the classes they offer. 
  

• Are you deathly afraid of public speaking?  Try offering small, informal workshops to your local group.  You will hone your teaching skills in a comfortable setting while building the confidence to confront a classroom full of eager students.
  

• And perhaps the most important item of all, continue have fun and enjoy sharing the love you have for your work!

This past year there was a request from the Scribes of AEthelmearc posted to the Kingdom List.  It read as follows:

Recommending others for awards is an important facet of our Society (and not just because bored scribes might cause havoc!).  How many times have you seen someone working their butt off at every event and wondered why they do not have their Millrind (an AEthelmearc award of high merit for service)?  What about that person in your Barony who takes time each week to help newcomers make their first garb? 

There have been many times during conversations with friends and acquaintances about someone with striking talent or commitment and often the discussion turns to musings of why so-and-so is not yet a member of a certain order.

The answer has several elements to it and I will disregard, at this time, that politics can and do sometimes come into play here.  (One can only do so much about interpersonal workings or quabbles, so I am not going to go into my thoughts on that particular matter - it is life, it happens, lol). I guess, really, it is also a very period practice if one wanted to be technical about it.

Often someone will be given an award because they are known by the right people, and are at the right events to be noticed and recognized.  (Note, I am not saying that one has to curry favor, it is merely a fact that if one is more visible, than and order is more likely to take note of their work, skills or service.)  Even then, someone can fly under the radar and be missed by those who have the ability to grant those awards.

Kingdom level awards are given by the King and Queen and typically, for the higher orders, they poll or consult members of an order about individuals that are brought to their attention.  Remember though, Royals are busy people, and do not have time to meet or see every member of the populace, and even those who do impress them may not be known enough to them to make them a consideration for an award.

So if you have ever wondered why a friend or a teacher or other member of the SCA does not have the accolades they deserve, consider writing a recommendation for that individual.  Yes, anyone can do this!  Has someone gone to great lengths to help you out?  Let the Kingdom know!  Has someone constantly produced tasty feasts?  Let others know about it!  Who always fights fearlessly on the field of battle, but rarely makes it to a tournament (where it is easier to recognize one's prowess)?  Write a letter to make it known!  If you truly think someone is deserving, it is up to you to make sure that the folks higher up know about them.  Sometimes it will happen on its own, but often even the best among us can still be overlooked.

If you are unsure of someone's current awards, most Kingdoms have an Order of Precedence listing online.  You can often look up an individual (by their SCA name) and find out what awards they have already received. 

Be thoughtful though, when making recommendations to the Crown.  A person does not deserve an award for just showing up (or for being your bestie).

It also surprises me to discover that there are long time members of the SCA who have never before written a letter of recommendation.  In many kingdoms it is very simple, and there is often an online form that can be filled out.  Links are below for the various Kingdoms so that the next time you wonder why so-and-so isn't a Pelican, you can make sure that your voice on the matter is heard.

• Æthelmearc - http://www.aethelmearc.org/onlineaward/
• Ansteorra (will take you to an external link) - http://www.ansteorra.org/forms/award.php
  
• An Tir - http://www.antir.sca.org/recommendations.php
• Artemisia - http://www.artemisia.sca.org/order-of-precedence/award-recommendation/
• Atenveldt - http://www.atenveldt.org/People/AwardRecommendations
• Atlantia - http://award.atlantia.sca.org/
• Caid - http://royals.sca-caid.org/awards/recs.php

• Calontir - http://awardrec.calontir.org/
• Drachenwald - http://op.drachenwald.sca.org/recommendation.html
• Ealdormere - http://www.ealdormere.ca/index.php/award-recomendatins
• East - http://accessibleek.eastkingdom.org/RecommendAward.html
• Gleann Abhann (I can find no form for this Kingdom, but their Awards page is as follows) - http://www.kingdomofgleannabhann.org/awards/awards.html
• Lochac - http://royal.lochac.sca.org/recommendation/

• Meridies - http://www.meridies.org/olawards/
• Middle - http://www.midrealm.org/op/recommend/login.php?from=/op/recommend/
• Northshield (you have to sign in as a member of the populace, perhaps if you are out-of-Kingdom you would direct your recommendation directly to the crown via email) - http://www.northshield.org/orderofprecedence/Recommendation.aspx?Officers/Herald
• Outlands - http://www.outlands.org/Default.aspx?tabid=683
• Trimaris - http://www.trimaris.org/recommend
• West - http://heralds.westkingdom.org/AwardRecommend.htm

I have often been told that I should not set my expectations too high for events, and that if I have no expectations going into it then I will never be disappointed.  Of course, that never works for me as I love the pre-event "high" I get when it comes to things that I view as potential amazing experiences.

Fortunately, I have never had a let-down Pennsic!  Certainly, some Wars are better than others (and usually that is dependent on the weather that year), but they are all fabulous on some level.

I think the one constant though, is that all of my Wars are actually quite different.  In talking with those who have had "bad Wars", I find that they had often had expectations on how the event would play out for them and instead of adapting to any changes (and there are always a few) they grieved the loss of the experience they thought they should have had.

It is important to remember that Pennsic is like a living organism, it changes each year, it grows, it is subject to the environment and the whims of the people that attend the event.  I think the expectation that Pennsic will be amazing is not a bad thing, but to expect it to be a certain type of amazing should be reconsidered.  I also think that few people have later Pennsics that live up to the wonder of their earliest years, but it doesn't mean that the event still can't be memorable or even wonderful!  (In fact, this year there will be many hefty changes, and they are already causing a stir for some folks.  Fortunately, I view most of them as very positive and look forward to things like improved water quality and a better fresh food market and the new Great Hall.)

Newcomers might notice there are definitely trends at war (look at the class lists to see what is currently "in"... a few years back the schedule was dominated by Middle Eastern classes and the last few years had an influx of Viking arts).  It shifts a bit from year to year but its clear that some things are more popular than others at certain times.  For those who have seen many Wars, remember that just because the thing that most interests you does not have multiple classes or events each day, does not mean that it has become irrelevant.  Do you want to see more haflas at Pennsic?  Host one!  Do you want more live music?  Learn an instrument!  Do you wish there was more Tudor garb?  Do your research, make it and then sign up to teach!

Below is a list of things that a newcomer can do to really get the full experience of Pennsic.  It also happens to be a great list of things that an old timer can consider if they want to view the event from a fresh perspective:

• Take a copy of the map and walk the entire site.  If you are new, you are likely going to want your camera!  If the walk is too long, do the upper portion of Pennsic one day, and the Bog/Swamp another.  Even better, grab a Pennsic veteran and take them with you.  They can fill you in on the history of different areas or what some of the camps are.  If you are that veteran, offer to escort a newbie around.  You will have a great time just experiencing the "Pennsic Firsts" through a newcomer's eyes.
  
• Take a class.  In my early years I took several classes a day, then later I started teaching classes, then for a couple years I rarely attended classes or taught at all.  This past year I took a class (or more than one) nearly every day.  Pennsic University is a great resource given that there is usually over 1000 classes offered for free!  It is the perfect time to learn a new art or a bit of interesting history.  If you have a skill you are proficient at and want to share it take the time to teach a class!
  
• Watch a battle.  If you are new, definitely go watch the Field Battle.  It is very worth seeing even if you have no interest in ever fighting yourself.  Below is a video I took of one several years ago.  Unfortunately, video cannot really capture the fact that you can feel the people charging across the field.
  

I miss Pennsic.  Heck, given how cold it is here this week, I miss summer!  I am looking forward to starting my prep, packing and garb making that precedes the event.  And yes, I can now officially get excited because registration is, at last, open!

For those who have never been to War before, well, it is everything you think it could be... and more!  I firmly believe that the more prepared you are, the better your adventure will be.  Below are some tips that I share with newcomers to my group who are planning to attend their first Pennsic.

• When planning for your garb, plan to take as much with you as you can, especially your cooler, lightweight items.  These will come in handy for the potential heat and humidity that often comes with Pennsic.  Natural fibres are your friends!  Linen is my fabric of choice, but if you are just starting out or are on a tight budget, opt for 100% cotton whenever possible.  Polyester and acetate can be miserable on a hot humid day (sometimes rayon can work though, just make sure the weave feels as though it it will breathe).
  
• I also take with me to war what I call "Camp Dresses" - these are loose t-tunics of light-weight gauze.  I tend to wear them only in camp when most of my group is lounging around during the hottest part of the day.  They can be rinsed out as often as needed and dry quickly.
• Make sure that you or someone else in your camp has a laundry rack.  If you are just starting out you might not be going to Pennsic with bins and bins of garb and may need to do laundry.  Some individuals opt to leave site and visit a laundrymat, but so many more prefer to just wash the garb in-camp and hang it to dry (don't forget to bring it in at night so the dew does not re-soak your clothes).  If you pack your supplies in plastic Rubbermaid tubs one of those can double as a wash bin for your garb and if you do not have detergent with you most shampoos will work just as well.
  
• Make sure you have at least one set of warm garb and a warm cloak.  Occasionally there will be a night at Pennsic when the temperature can drop down in the 50s or even the 40s.  The cloak can also double as an extra blanket if needed!  (Coat-weight wool is the best choice for cloaks but if you want fast and easy you can make a quick no-sew half circle cloak from polar fleece.  All you will need is the fleece and a brooch to pin it!)
• For the reasons mentioned above, bring every blanket you own.  I know that sounds as though it is going a bit nuts, but I get cold easily and despite that I have cold-weather sleeping bags there have been several nights where I still needed to pile on many extra blankets.
  
• If Pennsic is one of your first events, and you are rushing to make enough garb to get through a week, opt for simple.  You will see a bit of everything when there and the garb you think you want may not be what you decide you actually want after seeing the spectrum of garb fabulosity that comes with the larger SCA events.  Having 5 simple tunics or gowns will make you a happier camper than one stiflingly hot, but lovely, high Renn costume!
• If you do already have a few nice pieces of garb, bring those with you!  You might want to go to Court or out for Midnight Madness and want to dress your finest. Or you might even get lucky and have a non-sweltering Pennsic that allows you to wear your finery at all times (it doesn't happen often, but it can happen).
  
• Make sure you have supportive, comfortable shoes that are broken-in prior to war.  And have more than one pair.  And while you are packing those, bring a pair you don't mind getting muddy and wet.  I know someone who had to duct tape her feet for the duration of Pennsic because she got so many blisters from a pair of new sandals that it was impossible to put bandaids on them all.  Don't be that person!   
  
• Bring lots of sunblock and use it.  NOTE, most of the spray and sports sunblocks have ingredients that will stain light-colored garb.  The best ones I have found that do not stain are those by Nutrogena (the non-spray type).  If your garb does get stained, it can take a dozen washes to get it back out and sometimes it never comes out.
• Bring lots of towels, because if we all prepare for lots of rain, we wont have any! ;-)  If you are there more than a few days and its humid, a towel can actually start to funkify even if you hang it to dry after each use.  I plan to have a towel for every 2-3 days I will be there.   I also buy cheap washcloths in bulk at Walmart.  I can use them once or twice and toss them if need be rather than bringing soppy facecloths home.
• Bring heavy-duty trashbags (I use contractor bags).  If the weather gets really bad and your tent springs a leak, you can cram your belongings into them to prevent total saturation of your wardrobe and gear.
  
• Drink extra fluids the day before you go to set up, and make sure you drink a lot of water while there!  Take drinking water with you to keep in your camp and make sure that you stay hydrated.  Drink extra water if you plan to drink in the evenings are are doing activities (such as fighting or dancing) that will further dehydrate you.
• I know the delicate subject of "chafing" comes up on occasion.  Many people wear shorts or bloomers under their gowns to prevent that.  Another option (or if it's too hot to layer bloomers under your garb) is use an anti chafing gel.  This stuff is carried under many of brands and can be found in sports supply stores, at make-up counters as a primer (though that's a pricey way to get it) and just at the pharmacy as a product called Soothing Care (warning, this one is in the women's section...)
• Make sure you have all of your regular medications well supplied before you go.  If you need something like a rescue inhaler or epi-pen, make sure that you carry it with you at all times.
• Speaking of things you should carry with you at all times, please make sure that you have your Pennsic medallion (given to you when you arrive and check-in to the site) and your ID with you at all times.  I typically have a small pouch I can attach to a belt in the event I choose to go out at night without a purse.  You do not want to be turned away at night from a party because you forgot your ID and you really do not want to risk having an emergency situation and have no one know who you are.
  
• If you have a period tent it does not suck to purchase latex baby bottle nipples to put over the spike on your tent pole.  These form a great seal between the pole and the grommet in the event it does rain - no water inside! 
  
• Whatever your tent, make sure it is in working condition before you leave.  Double check your packing list to make sure you have all necessary parts (stakes, poles, canvas, drop-cloth...).  Yes, I know someone who arrived at an event and had to go home again to get the tent poles.
• If you decide that Pennsic is for you and plan to go back, I strongly recommend looking at styles of period tents while there (and stop by to visit the folks at Panther Primitives while at the market).  Canvas and tall ceilings are more comfortable in the heat then nylon.  If you do not have the budget or means of transporting a cumbersome period tent, I cannot recommend Springbar tents enough.  They are canvas rather than nylon, but fold compactly as most modern tents do.
  

I think that is is for now.  I will post some additional thoughts later on things-to-do and how to enjoy your first (or tenth!) Pennsic :-)

A discussion was recently had on one of the SCA costuming groups.  Someone posted a rather striking photo of garb and was trying to find the source of it.  They had found the photo elsewhere, asked the poster as to the source, and were given an SCA website. The person who added the photo to the list was sure it was SCA made.

I was not so sure it was made by an SCA member.  For one, I had seen either that exact image, or the garb in it, before.  The other reason though, is that I do not thing I have ever seen anyone in the SCA produce earlier period garments with THAT level of quality and detail.

Yes, we have amazing artisans and costumers.  And I have actually seen THAT professional level of detail and quality in very late period attire produced by members of the SCA.  What you can't see in this small image is that those borders on the bottom of the tunics are embroidered.  Perfectly embroidered.

If you want to see the costumes closer you can do so here:  http://ranaan.altervista.org/html/SCA-Gallery.htm  (And no, I cannot explain the final image on that page.  LOL)

As it turns out, the costumes were commissioned by a town in Italy for part of a pageant or faire that they have each year.  Some of the costumes they use are painted, and some are painstakingly embroidered and embellished by hand.  They are all striking.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lefotodifra/4661291435/
http://www.altomilaneseinrete.it/notizie/2009/05/palio_1.htm
http://www.matteoquaglia.it/palio_legnano_2009

And the actual organization: http://www.contradasanterasmo.com/

This whole thing, however, reminded me of a recent conversation about garb, and what garb was "good enough" for 12th Night.  A friend with lots of lovely Viking garb, as well as a few nice Italian Renn (not 100% accurate, but they are lovely and well-made and clearly far surpass the required "attempt" at garb), and was torn because she felt her costumes were not appropriate for 12th Night.

After reminding her that some people will be there who are just starting out, or who just prefer T-tunics, or who simply don't have "court garb" yet, we got side tracked talking about how it was back-in-the-day.  I clearly recall being told in my early years in the SCA that you made late period European garb as Court garb - garb that you wear to attend Court or things like 12th Night.  Tudor, Elizabethan, Italian Renn... all of those were considered appropriate items for ones Court Garb wardrobe.

Things have changed a great deal since then.   While people still ooh and ahh over the decked-out embroidery-and-pearls look that many late-period European individuals still go for, it is now common place to have upper class Vikings at Court.  Or someone in the well-to-do attire of a  non-European persona.

I love the diversity.  And I love much of the top-of-the-line non-traditional SCA garb I have come across.

But, I have yet to see something produced for an earlier period that matches the quality of the items above.  Those costumes look elegant, rich, and yet, still real. Many attempts I have seen, while beautiful, still read as "costume" to me (and there is nothing at all wrong with that).  I do not have the time to attempt such a feat myself, but I look forward to the day I see someone cross that line and go from fine work to fabulous.  (Note, I have seen exceptional simple-but-elegant early period garb, but nothing embellished at the level of the items in the photo above.)

And please, if you have seen that somewhere in the Known World, send me photos so I ooh and ahh over their fabulousness!

I think every SCA newbie is warned early on about the Authenticity Police (also know as the Period Nazis).  Some newcomers are kindly told that some people are simply over zealous and can come off wrong in their desire to "help" others.  Others are warned that there are really some mean spirited individuals out there who enjoy bullying people in bad garb.

While both situations can certainly happen, and I am sure they have happened, I do not think that either happens as often as people think.  The idea of rampant Authenticity Police is something that maybe has even achieved urban legend status among SCAdians.

It is also something that has given the nice people who pursue historical accuracy a very bad rap.

I think the desire to make a newbie feel welcome and comfortable is foremost in the minds of many members of the SCA when they offer these well intended warnings.  The unfortunate result, however, can sometimes lead to anxiety over things that should never have have even occurred to them.  A recent conversation with someone who has been to many Pennsics, as well as quite a few other events, over the years made me realize how much these Authenticity Police stories can affect people.  It actually can make people fear attending something if they do not have what they perceive as the "right garb" lest they be judged.

I think I have mentioned before that at my very first event someone told me I should not wear a white belt (when indeed, my belt was actually a medieval girdle, in cream, with a wide black border sprinkled with pink flowers).  While this person was not giving critique of my actual garb (rather she was correcting what she saw as my lack of understanding about SCA conventions), the idea is the similar.  Her delivery was a bit off and I was already insecure about being there and my sewing skills and it bothered me.  In retrospect, I think she was trying to be helpful, the delivery plus my insecurity just made the whole experience not sit well.  That being said, I have never actually been approached about my garb, its quality or its lack of authenticity. 

I cannot actually even think of a story anyone has told me where they personally got raked over the coals for what they were wearing.  It is always so-and-so knows someone who knew someone who had a baroness who when she was a newbie got lit-up by the Period Police at her first event.  (I am definitely not saying this has never happened.  I am sure that somewhere, sadly, it has.  It may even not have been intentionally mean when it happened, but I can certainly see how it could come off in that manner.  The fact is though, that these things can happen in any club, hobby or other social activity and when they do take place we need to learn to not take it personally and just move on.) 

Telling these tales of ill-treatment by those who choose to strive for perfection of an art not only adds to a understandable newcomers anxiety, but can also create this aura of unapproachability around those who strive for a greater level of authenticity.  That is not fair either party as it deprives the artisan of an outlet with whom they can share their skills and knowledge and it also deprives the newcomer of an excellent resource. 

I was surprised this week to learn from one of my forums that are are actually people in the SCA who view all masters of their art (both Laurels and those who have not yet been recognized for their efforts) in the same light.  Some people see those on a quest for greater accuracy as individuals incapable of kindly sharing what they know and who would look for an opportunity to bring another down.

I do not know know which scenario is more detrimental to the Society, but there has to be a way to rectify it for everyone.

Personally, I am going to stop telling the "watch out for the zealots" horror stories.  I will say instead (what I have already stated in this blog) that it is always fine to approach someone and ask to know more about what they are doing, they may even love you for it.  I will also remind people that it takes all kinds to make up any social group and to try to understand unasked for advice in the light it may have been given.  Someone might see a new person and want to help them with info overload, not remembering what it is like to be new and unsure.  It happens and should not be taken as personal criticism.

And I will remind myself to try not to blow some persons brain up and talk for four hours with what is possibly way more than they wanted to know at the time.  ;-)